Vltava River | river, Czech Republic | Britannica.com river, Czech Republic Volga River Vltava River, German Moldau, river , the longest in the Czech Republic , flowing 270 miles (435 km). Its drainage basin is 10,847 square miles (28,093 square km). The river rises in southwestern Bohemia from two headstreams in the Bohemian Forest , the Teplá Vltava and the Studená Vltava. It flows first southeast, then north across Bohemia, and empties into the Elbe (Czech: Labe) River at Mělník, 18 miles (29 km) north of Prague . Prague and České Budějovice are on the Vltava. At České Budějovice, in the river’s middle basin, is an extensive lake region. The middle and lower course of the Vltava is gorgelike, with rapids and incised meanders. Large hydropower dams with associated lakes provide recreational facilities.

The Vltava’s principal tributaries are the Lužnice and Sázava (east) and the Otava and Berounka (west). The river is celebrated as the second subject in a cycle of six symphonic poems under the general title of Má vlast (“My Country”) by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana . Prague on the banks of the Vltava River. Havaska in Prague (national capital, Czech Republic) The physical attractions and landmarks of Prague are many. Among the finest is the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), which stands astride the Vltava River. The winding course of the Vltava, with its succession of bridges and changing vistas, contrasts with the ever-present backdrop of the great castle of Hradčany (Prague Castle), which dominates the left-bank region of the city from... in Bohemian Forest ...Arber (Javor; 4,777 feet [1,456 m]) on the Bavarian (western) side and Plechý (Plöckenstein; 4,521 feet [1,378 m]) on the Czech (eastern) side.

The Šumava is the source for the Vltava (German: Moldau) River, which cuts a broad trough through part of the region and is a source of hydroelectric power. Forests, both coniferous and deciduous, cover more than a third of the... 2 References found in Britannica Articles Assorted References Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval.

Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 20, 1998 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share Review Photos Comments Contacts Why locals love it? Paddle boats on the river, that is Prague´s classic. I can hardly imagine anything more charming and romantic than hire the small boat or paddle boat and wonder around the small islands on Vltava. Slovanský ostrov (the island where you can hire it) is located right in the centre, close to the National Theatre. Tour Prague & Budapest in 8 Days | Rick Steves 2017 Tours Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour was interesting,well organized and the guide was excellent.

We were unsure about going to this part of Europe but after this tour, we would definitely go back. Favorite "WOW" moment "Seeing the beauty of Prague and finding that it was equally or more beautiful than other cities we had visited." Julie Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was a wonderful experience! Our tour guide Peter was excellent, as were the local guides, Martin in particular. Wonderful balance of planned/guided activities with free time. Wonderful suggestions for our free time and meals. Experienced things we would have missed on our own. Absolutely awe inspiring. We were fortunate to be with a wonderful group of people also. Favorite "WOW" moment "Too many "wow" moments to name. Just the view across the river in each city, daytime and nighttime. The beautiful city views from the many tower vantage points. Learning first hand what life under communist occupation was like from people who experienced it. Just the entire trip!!" Edward Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Very educational and enjoyable. The tour group was congenial, both diverse and unified.

The director was always available and responsive, and it was nice to have real local expertise in both cities. Good balance of group activities and free time. Favorite "WOW" moment Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Great ion of tours and knowledgeable guides. We also had a group that was highly intellectual, a welcome relief. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Jewish Quarter in Prague. We did spend an extra day looking at the sites that weren't covered." Jeanne Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was our first Rick Steves tour. We found it to be an excellent value. The hotels were very nice and the restaurants and meals with local cuisine and ambience were terrific. The activities were a nice balance of historical and cultural experiences. If we had done this trip on our own, we would surely have missed out on interesting and important sites and activities. Favorite "WOW" moment "The entire time in Prague was an extended "wow" moment. The old city is the most beautiful and enchanting city...on par with Venice.

Everywhere we went and everything we saw and learned left me agog." Scott Tour: 10/23/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was an outstanding tour of both Prague and Budapest. Our tour leader Peter was outstanding in every way and made every effort to ensure that we had an excellent experience. The tour had the perfect balance of organized activities and free time. The local guides were incredible, especially Martin, whose descriptions of communism and the suffering of Jews during the Holocaust were compelling (although very sad). We were also blessed that we had a great group of people on this tour. Favorite "WOW" moment "Basically, the whole trip was a WOW moment! To pick a few would include the walk across the Charles Bridge, climbing the many towers in both cities for incredible views, the discussions of communism and the events that ended communism, the cruse of the Danube and the fellowship we experienced at the group dinners. Also, a very emotional moment was the walk through the Pinkas Synagogue and seeing all the names of the Czech Jews sent away to concentration camps by the Nazis." Sean Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Really loved the tour.

Each city was beautiful and fascinating. Our guides were fantastic! Hotels were great and perfectly located. Really like the walking/public transportation approach to getting around. Favorite "WOW" moment "Wenceslas Square in Prague as explained to us by Jana was the highlight of Prague for me. Loved the background about life under Communism and the Velvet Revolution. Budepest in general greatly exceeded my expectations, and George's descriptions of the 1956 uprising and the ultimate fall of Communism in Hungary were thrilling." John Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Favorite "WOW" moment "Maybe I remember this most because it was last, but after lots of amazing architecture, history (some new perspectives on the WWII and Soviet occupation), food, etc, we got to catch the Margaret Island musical fountain and light show. It was a nice relaxing moment, and in its way like seeing a good fireworks display." Debra Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour was lovely. It was a very nice mix of planned events and free time. The hotels were very centrally located. The group dinners were good food and great company. Our guide was super informative and extremely helpful.

I had expected both Prague and Budapest to be beautiful cities but the architecture and atmosphere of the cities were amazing. Even the bridges were awesome. Hanging out in the cafés and bakeries during a free afternoon was a joy. Favorite "WOW" moment "In Prague, I visited Terezin. It was devastatingly sad and made history so very real. In Budapest, it was the thermal baths. Not really what I expected. I had been torn about whether I really cared to experience them, but I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed the experience." Mary Ellen Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was a very educational tour. I learned so much Eastern Europe history. I am eager to study more. Our guide was very well informed and a great teacher. The tour allowed us to explore on our own as well as participate in the guided tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment "Seeing the parliament building at night in Budapest and attending the concert in the Spanish synagogue in Prague." Kevin Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Once again, on our 4th RS city-tour (Paris, Rome, and Istanbul ), our high expectations were exceeded. . In addition to great information and experiences, we were well educated about life up until the 20th century and after the World Wars. Favorite "WOW" moment "The evening concert at the Spanish synagogue in Prague, and the evening visit to the parliament building in Budapest. Not on the tour, but a guilty pleasure was the Apple museum in Prague- a treat for Apple/Steve Jobs fanboys!" Denise Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was our first Rick Steves tour. We have been to Europe several times, but never central/eastern Europe. We had an exceptional trip. The tour had a good balance of structured activities and independence. We learned a lot about the history of the places we visited, but we would have liked more focus on that, and less time and energy spent on the top tourist sites.

It was truly outstanding to hear about the recent history of The Czech Republic and Hungary from our tour guides who were there Favorite "WOW" moment "Believe it or not, it was the gas station on the bus ride from Prague to Budapest. It was an everyday place, very functional, but also very beautiful and enjoyable. It's on a freeway exit; it seems to be part of a local chain. It showed the character of the place we were, not standardization. The food was beautiful and delicious. It was an example of how cultured and sophisticated Europe is." Frank Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 3 of 5 Heavy on history ! I felt like I heard the same story over and over. I understand it is useful/necessary to get background on the environment, but not as if I was being lectured. I wanted more "lightness" and fun to the trip. I thought the trip was light on Hungary and heavy on Czech Republic. Just because more Czech buildings survived WW2 doesn't mean it deserved more time/emphasis. Granted, the tour leaders were knowledgable.

Favorite "WOW" moment "I had no "Wow" moment to the tour." Veronica Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Our guide George Farkas was extraordinary. His knowledge, enthusiasm, caring and guidance was more that we could have ever expected. Favorite "WOW" moment "Evening Danube boat ride in Budapest. All the golden buildings along the shore were magical!" Mary Ellen Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 the guides were very knowledgeable the places visited were great. I have a much better appreciation of both cities. Favorite "WOW" moment "The concert at the Spanish synagogue in Prague and the cooking class in Budapest." Linda Tour: 10/02/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 George and the other guides lived in the countries they discussed with us and were learned about the history, geography and art. The guided tours focused on the correct range of subjects, often interrelated, and gave us a basis for branching out in our free time. I liked the mix of religion, history, art, culture, markets, and local food.

Each guide had lived under Communist rule and gave us the benefit of his or her first hand experiences. Each hotel provided excellent breakfasts. Favorite "WOW" moment "My wow moment was the Municipal Building in Prague, an amazing art deco, arts and crafts structure. Our guide for this visit knew the history of the movement and the artists. This is a beautiful building." Theodore Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I found the tour first rate. Saw all the major sites in Prague and Budapest and the guides consistently gave what seemed to me to be well-informed and knowledgeable commentary about all the things we saw in each city. Very much enjoyed our stay in the Leonardo in Prague. The staff were friendly and helpful. Pretty much everybody spoke excellent English, but nevertheless were pleasantly wiling to hear and respond to our rudimentary Czech.

Favorite "WOW" moment "Took an evening boat tour on the Danube while in Budapest and found the sites along the river, particularly on the Buda side, to be beautiful." Pamela Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Jana was a terrific guide who included so many personalized touches, including a private opera concert and numerous personal "tastes" of local foods/liquers. She made herself very available for advice & directions. We were most curious about life in those two cities under Communist rule & the local guides were able to provide some personal insights. We enjoyed the variety of foods and pastries, especially at the Lotz Hall and Cafe in Budapest. Good variety of activities between the 2 cities! Favorite "WOW" moment "The intriguing Ruins area in Budapest were totally unexpected! Its history as the Jewish Ghetto and the tragic demise of its citizens gave an eerie pall during the day. But at night it came alive and was crawling with young people and tourists drawn to its bizarre bombed out architecture, campy decorating & hint of surreal.

It seems like an area that is/will spawn many creative art forms." David Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 I enjoyed the tour very much. Our lead guide Jana was outstanding. Her personal touches to the tour made it very enjoyable. She was very upbeat and fun to be with, along with her knowledge of the history of the places we visited. Favorite "WOW" moment "Visting the Ruins bar area in Budapest." Laura Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 the tour program was very thoughtfully organized, the local guides were terrific and the group worked well together. Jana did an outstanding job bringing local culture and history into the tour experience; her food and drink gifts were terrific. The program worked really well in part because we had time away from the group to explore on our own. It brought new energy back to the group and gave all an opportunity to share experiences. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Jewish ghetto in Prague was a moving and powerful experience.

the local guide was very knowledgeable and informative." Madeleine Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 It was really great. I was on the tour with my father, who is an active 90 year old, who was in Prague for a conference when the Russian tanks rolled in. My husband and I were in Prague and Budapest in 1985, traveling with a friend from Amsterdam, and both my dad and I were amazed at the changes in these two cities. We especially enjoyed the emphasis, as always, on learning the history of these countries and wonderful cities. Favorite "WOW" moment "Every day was a "wow," we saw something beautiful or interesting each and every day." Debra Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 As our first tour, we didn't really know what to expect. We usually plan our own trips using our Rick Steve's guidebooks. We could not be happier with our decision to book a tour. We were impressed with how well organized the trip was. Jana, George and Katerina were fantastic guides!! Their knowledge and passion for the cities made our experience a memorable one.

The itinerary was perfect as well as our amount of free time. We had a great group and would definitely book another tour!! Favorite "WOW" moment "My WOW moment was seeing Budapest at night on our river cruise!! Such a beautiful sight! I also enjoyed our impromptu fireworks display after our private concert in Budapest." Matthew Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Well planned, well thought out, no detail overlooked. kowledgeable lead guide and super staff of supporting guides. Favorite "WOW" moment "How many Hungarians disappeared between the end of WW II and the end of communist rule in 1991 because the regime did not like you." Maryanne Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Fabulous in one word. Favorite "WOW" moment "The first night was quite special. Jana picked a wonderful restaurant in the Little Quarter and surprised us with entertainment by musicians known to Rick Steve's viewers.

It was a wonderful evening getting to know the other tour members and enjoying good food and entertainment." Helene Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Jana is a superb guide and the local guides, Katarina especially, and George were outstanding, fun to be with, and energized to make ours a very enjoyable and informative tour. Favorite "WOW" moment "Prague and its beauty.the colors are soft and elegant. And music everywhere!" Whitney Tour: 09/25/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Well paced and with an excellent mix of activities. Every one of our guides was knowledgeable and provided an interesting perspective on not just history, but real people and their lives in that country. They were also infinitely patient;) Favorite "WOW" moment "Loved Katerina's personal stories about making Hungarian history, but then I'm a storyteller too.

Appreciated when we were able to hang out a little at the Ruin bar - neve seen anything like that -- off tour with Janna." Susan Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 this was my first tour so i have no comparison, however, everything moved smoothly, informed in advance of activities and had some great experiences. Favorite "WOW" moment "i enjoyed several things, the boat danube cruise, making the dinner, and the private concert in prague." Debra Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 It was an unforgettable tour.I fell in love with Prague and Budapest.They are so different but so beautiful.Our guide Jana was wonderful and the local guide in both cities were so knowledgeable. The daily activities were well thought out and planned.Our hotel accommodations and the food/drink were very good! I really appreciate that with the tour we were given the experience needed to comfortably explore the cities on our own.The public transport was daunting at first but we became old hands. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Jewish ghetto in Prague. Both the Pinkas and the Spanish Synagogue.

For very different reasons." Hamilton Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 We had an excellent experience overall. Favorite "WOW" moment "Hungarian Parliament house at night from the Danube. Although the narration on the boat was terrible." Michael Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 most interesting; our guide Jana was fabulous and made the trip. Prague and Budapest were quite different and it was apparent. having most of the afternoons to ourselves was great; 3-4 hours of walking and touring in the morning was just the right amount. only concern was the size of the group: 27. too big but not as big as some of the other tours we saw (Prague especially was overrun with tours and tour groups). Favorite "WOW" moment "first evening dinner in Prague with the musicians was great. I think the stories of the communists and the Nazis was rather sobering and you could see for yourself their effects in the architecture, communist-era buildings, the museums certainly, and just the difference today in people's attitudes and the vibrancy of both cities.

the local guides in each city, in addition to Jana, our tour guide, had both lived through the Communist era, and had alot of stories: sad, chilling, very real." David Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 We have traveled a lot in Europe over the past 20 years, mostly on our own with the help of Rick's guidebooks. We were worried about the rigidity of a "tour", but we were very pleasantly thrilled with the outcome. The participants were great folks, very like-minded in their passion for travel and learning. The guides were fantastic, but Jana was "off the charts" great. I can not imagine a better leader/friend/teacher/Mom to carry us through Prague and Budapest. The activities were spot-on. Favorite "WOW" moment "There were emotional, impactful moments like the Jewish Memorial in Prague that are life memories. There were great "fun" moments like the first night's dinner and music. I have not had a ton of exposure to opera, so my favorite "Wow" moment was probably the opera soloists that performed for us on our last night in Prague.

I felt that the trip was full of lovely surprises." Ed Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I was very satisfied. the tour provided a variety of experiences: historical info, interesting buildings, cultural such as the musical events in Prague and cooking class in Budapest. The guides, especially Jana, were terrific. And the schedule was doable. the folks in our group got along well together quite well. Favorite "WOW" moment "the opera singers in Prague. It was a private concert and their arias were superb." Richard Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 A very good tour. We covered all the sights worth seeing. The experiences were special, like the opening night meal in Prague with a charming group of people waiting on us. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Hungarian parliament building at night from the Danube boat." Sandra Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Good balance of scheduled activities and free time. More local history and perspective from guides than expected. Favorite "WOW" moment "Prague Castle Orchestra and opening dinner in Prague was amazingly fun!

Private Opera arias concert was great!" Marlee Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I thought this was a great tour. Jana did an outstanding job of leading/guiding the group. Martin in Prague and the gentleman (sorry, i forgot his name - my bad!) in Budapest were both outstanding. The hotels were well located and nice and comfortable with good breakfasts. The folks in our group were great. The only thing I could improve on would be a slightly smaller group. Favorite "WOW" moment "There were so many. For visceral impact the Holocaust synagogue in Prague was incredibly powerful. For fun the cooking class in Budapest was a blast." John Tour: 09/18/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 First RS tour. Was quite enjoyable with just the right amount of time with guides split with free time in cities. Excellent coordination and tour directing. Plenty of historical information and question answering. Favorite "WOW" moment "Seeing the "mock" art in both Prague and Budapest, made in retaliation to various occupations." Anna Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Great tour.

Two beautiful cites. Jana was excellent! She really spoiled us. Great food and tour guides. Enjoyed everything about it - people, food, hotels, beer, transportation, parks, etc.. Favorite "WOW" moment "View of Charles Bridge from many different places. Having a beer at Letna gardens. Slav Epic." Bette Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Knowledgeable tour guides. Great tour. Lots of variety in places visited. Good mix of free time and tour time. Guides shared personal experiences of life under communism and now their life of freedom. Guides truly interested in sharing their communities with us. Favorite "WOW" moment "Listening to tour guides talk about the Velvet Revolution on the walking tour. An experience that you would not get from reading a guide book. The cooking class in Budapest was a real treat. Roasting sausages at the restaurant in Budapest." Mike Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Very good tour to introduce the traveler to Czek and Hungary. Enough so, that I would go back to both cities. History is fascinating, settings are beautiful. The beer speaks for itself.

Favorite "WOW" moment "My WOW moment was our local tour guide in Prague. Her passion, knowledge of history, and the sharing of her life under communism was amazing. Great sense of humor." Patricia Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 My overall experience was very good. I enjoyed each day's adventure. Both cities were so amazing and so different. They were a good combination. Favorite "WOW" moment "Hard to say. Maybe the Charles Bridge in Prague and the beautiful Parliament Building in Budapest. I've seen them in pictures and on TV but they were still so awesome when you saw them in person." Robin Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Excellent tour, we saw and learned so much and had a great time doing it. The no grumps agreement is a winner too. Very good tour guide, Jana, and local tour guides were so good too. We saw so much and experienced so much. I definitely want to come back to both cities! So many beautiful churches and synagogues. The Mucha museum was wonderful, as was the Municipal House. Loved the river boat cruise in Budapest - so lovely.

Wonderful history brought to life by our guides. Favorite "WOW" moment "Looking across the Vltava River to the castle on the hill, so beautiful when all lit up. And seeing the Parliament building all lit up at night on our river cruise in Budapest. Hanging out in the thermal baths was a treat too!" Lisa Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Hearing Jana and our Prague local guide share their personal stories about growing up in the Czech Republic were eye-opening. The cooking class exceeded my expectations. Jana taught us how to navigate cities by subway, tram and bus. It was extremely helpful during our free time. I arrived in Prague a day early. Should have stayed in Budapest an extra day. This tour could have been one full longer. I skipped the Budapest baths to see more sites in the city. Spent one free afternoon at Terezin. Favorite "WOW" moment "Typically when I travel to Europe I see a lot of churches, cathedrals and basilicas. This tour included the opportunity to see some Jewish history for a change.

I visited one of the oldest historic Jewish cemeteries and seven synagogues, although the vast majority of them were no longer in use as places of worship. I also had the opportunity to visit the Terezin concentration camp outside of Prague. Talk about making an impression." Monica Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Overall it was very good. We had great guides, both tour leader and local guides. The hotels were very good too, well-situated and comfortable with excellent breakfasts. I have a few suggestions about changing the Budapest format. My only negative experience was w/the quality of the food in restaurants. Favorite "WOW" moment "Sailing on the Danube in the evening in Budapest. The Prague scenery: church domes & spires, the river, bridges,historic buildings, etc. The street music and the opera concert in the Smetana Museum." Barb Tour: 09/11/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was our 3rd Rick Steves tour and again loved it!

This one was slightly different since it focused on just 2 places instead of the numerous ones on the other 2 tours so we actually had the opportunity to delve more deeply into each place which was a nice change. The format and details of the Rick Steves tours from the smaller group, to the outstanding tour and local guides, to the fun extra touches (like the cooking school in Budapest) have made us true fans and recommend it to everyone! Favorite "WOW" moment "As always with the Rick Steves tours there are numerous "wow" moments but without a doubt my most favorite "wow" was the outstanding local guide, Sarka, in Prague. She has the ability, not to mention passion, to bring history alive and make it fascinating to listen to more than any other guide I have had!" Marilyn Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Great guides, perfect accommodations, and an on-site introduction to the history of Prague & Budapest. I vaguely knew about Nazi and Soviet occupation, but was able to speak to people who had lived through it all. They brought the long history to life. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Prague Castle Orchestra on our first evening was a delight.

Other than that, there were too many "wow" moments to count!" Wendy Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 This is my 4th tour with Rick Steves' Europe. Still like the overall format of about 1/2 day with the guide with the rest of the day to myself. However, it was noticeable that fewer meals are included in the package than on past tours; a couple of days were all on our own. On the other side of the coin, Katerina arranged some very nice coffee breaks that were included. Favorite "WOW" moment "How about 3? The tour of synagogues in Prague was very affecting. Was close to tears in the memorial (converted/former synagogue) and was amazed by the beauty of the Spanish Synagogue. The first evening in Prague, with the "orchestra" was great fun.

And in Budapest, learning about the history (all their "liberations") from Elemer was powerful." Abigail Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Katerina was fantastic, she was very helpful and did everything she could to ensure everyone was comfortable and had whatever they needed. Katerina is a very knowledgeable tour guide and I'd love to take another tour with her again. Favorite "WOW" moment "I enjoyed everything. The boat ride in Budapest at night in the Danube river was very memorable." Ken Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Prague and Budapest are wonderful tourist cities. Interesting history, lovely buildings, fascinating cultures/people. KatCa was marvelous. Favorite "WOW" moment "Just the ambience of being in these historic cities" Michael Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 this was my 2nd rick steves tour. I went mainly to see the architecture of prague & Budapest. I didn't see everything on my list, but most. the tour director was very good & we did all that was planned.

the focus of the tour was the transition from communism-soviet to democracy & I can appreciate that, but I wanted to see more architecture or art/architecture that would have even reflected that. Favorite "WOW" moment "I am roman catholic, so I always have a list of churches I want to see which I did. I got to see many of them & I was impressed, but the wow moment was the in prague on the jewish quarter tour. I am so happy we went into both synagogues. the wow as I expected was the Spanish synagogue. other wows were the prague art neavou municipal house. in Budapest I was wowed by the opera house, the Danube cruise at night & the thermal baths. so there were memorable moments in each city." Andrea Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour was perfectly outlined. Our tour guide Katerina was very knowledgeable about her country, its history and put a personal touch to each story. It was absolutely the very best to have our own personal tour guide to explain the sites and not have to carry around a tour book. Our tour group was just the greatest group of people.

I enjoyed the fact that the group was small after I saw groups of 100 touring and trying to get close enough to hear their guide. Favorite "WOW" moment Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 We took this trip on impulse. It came together over a couple of weeks, and we are very pleased that it worked out. Prague and Budapest were not previously on any of our "must see" lists, but the tour sounded unique, and an opening popped up that fit our schedules, so we took advantage of the opportunity. I have heard several people say that Prague is their favorite European city. Now I understand why that it. Both Prague and Budapest are cities rich in history with amazing architecture. Favorite "WOW" moment "There is an iconic view of Old Prague from the King Charles Bridge. I am quite sure millions of photos have been taken from that spot, and there is a reason for that - the view of Prague Castle in the distance above the river is spectacular. Sometimes we forget what real history is, and it takes getting out of the boundaries of the U.S. to understand that. Having a terrific guide to explain that history to you is a big plus.

Very enjoyable." Janet Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour experience was fantastic. I love that we receive tickets to mass transit and can easily find ourselves around the cities. The tour director was kind and knowledgeable. The added guides in the cities added a special understanding of the political and historical past and present. Both of these guides, Martin and Elemer, were very special. Favorite "WOW" moment "Only one moment? I think Budapest by night is extraordinary. The lights give a whole new feel to the city. It is magical and it inspired us to walk up the hill to he statue of the woman with the palm leaf (girl with the fish!) We also secured seats at Hungarikum bistro on our own (go there at 6:00 when they open!) and had a wonderful dinner. Our first dinner in the Czech republic with the musicians was also fabulous!" Jonathan Tour: 09/04/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 All I can say is that I'm glad we took this Rick Steves tour. We don't usually travel with tours, but when we do we go with Rick's tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment "Don't know if there is any one moment that stood out from all the rest." Susan Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Favorite "WOW" moment "1)Evening boat tour on the Danube in Budapest showed spectacular views. 2)Cooking school experience in Buda was so fun. That was the best meal of the trip! 3)Modigliani art exhibit at the National Gallery in Budapest was something we did on our free time. It was incredible to see his paintings from all over Europe! 4)We were serenaded by musicians at our first dinner in Prague. The Bohemian music was beautiful." Debbie Tour: 08/28/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Meeting Katerina and Sanel that first afternoon set the positive course for the week ahead. Their expertise, guidance, knowledge and concern for our well being was evident immediately. Everyday provided us with a new appreciation of the freedom won by the people of Prague and Budapest. Our group was great and in a brief time period enjoyed the opportunity to share the sights, history,goulash and more goulash. All had interesting questions, comments, and observations.

What a special week for me! Favorite "WOW" moment "The cooking class in Budapest was especially fun for the group. The event went effortlessly and instructors easy to follow. Everyone had pride in the dish they prepared and collectively the meal was delicious!" Lis Tour: 08/28/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Both cities are beautiful and very accessible. My sister in law and I both had a wonderful time and came back with lots of great memories. We especially liked the use of local transit and lots of walking, which gave us an excellent way to feel we could "own" the cities during our free time. Also the relatively small size was appreciated, as we could get to know each member of the tour group. (On one of our free nights, we attended a concert where the woman next to us was in a tour of over 100!) Favorite "WOW" moment "Probably the biggest "wow" was viewing the Hungarian Parliament, illuminated, from the cruise on the Danube River. And the saddest, most touching sight was the bronze shoes, the monument on the Danube shore to the Jews who were killed there in WWII.

The shoes look as though their owners had just stepped out of them. Including the smallest children's shoes." Marta Tour: 08/28/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 It was informative and interesting. I have a great fondness for the two guides, especially Katka. It was not particularly fun, however. It might have been the chemistry, but I can't say there was laughter or any particular joy. I think perhaps encouraging a more light-hearted approach at times would be useful, as this was really the first trip I have taken that had no real laughter. Favorite "WOW" moment "I loved the city of Prague" Darrel Tour: 08/28/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Even though I am not a history buff, I learned a lot from just being in those places and having excellent guides. It was very enjoyable and the free time gave us opportunity to explore on our own. I enjoyed to boats. The Jazz boat in Prague and the night on the Danube in Budapest. "Katka" went out of her way to help us even on our time off.

Favorite "WOW" moment "Probbly the lighted government buildings along the Danube in Budapest on the night tour." Barb Tour: 08/28/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour guides were excellent and very informative. They brought the history of both these cities alive. We were given many suggestions and instructions regarding our free time. The food was good, the cooking class was fun, the hotels were good. All in all an excellent tour. Favorite "WOW" moment "The wow moment for me was the "Shoe display" along the Danube River in Budapest. It brought the the very sad history of the Jewish people to life for me. Very powerful and very sad." Alan Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 This was our second Rick Steves' tour and we were not disappointed. The smaller group size, superior guides, and crafted experiences were very enjoyable. Meeting others with a zeal for travel in our group made the trip memorable. Favorite "WOW" moment "It is hard to pick out one "wow" moment from Prague and Budapest.

In Prague, the musical experience at dinner at Vysoky dum, walking the Charles Bridge, and free time to see the views from Petrin Tower and St. Nicholas Church were unforgettable. In Budapest, an afternoon at the Szechenyi Thermal Bath was an enjoyable way to unwind and a unique experience." Julie Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 A fun and informative Rick Steves tour. Peter and Andrea were very knowledgeable guides and Peter planned interesting and unexpected extras for us. Afternoons were free to explore the cities on our own, or rest up for the evening's activities! Fellow tour members were all very nice and enjoyable to be around. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in the history and culture of the "heart of Europe!" Favorite "WOW" moment "Several favorites: a private concert at dinner in Prague with 2 local musicians playing classical music between courses! Also, a music concert at the Spanish Synagogue (absolutely beautiful!) in Prague with music from Mozart, Smetana, Gershwin, among other greats. Visiting the cathedral and Opera House in Budapest.

The view of the Prague Castle at night." Elizabeth Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Our trip to Prague and Budapest was the first tour I have ever been on despite 5 previous trips to Europe with family. The tours' excellent organization of all the many scheduling details freed me to fully focus on enjoying exploring each city. The itinerary provided a wide range of enriching cultural experiences every day and the perfect mix of group and individual activities. Favorite "WOW" moment "Soaking on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. We were surrounded by local Czech families who were there to relax just like us and as we smiled and laughed with each other despite language differences, I kept thinking that if every neighborhood in the world had a community thermal bath, there might not be any wars!" Kathleen Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Excellent throughout. Really appreciated expert tour leaders for specific parts of our tour and the 25 diverse people in our group ages 15 to 70s. Did not hear a whisper of complaint from anyone. Everyone got along, was on time, kept pace and was mutually respectful.

Positive throughout following RS tour expectations! Accommodations, food, entertainment, tours, tickets, transportation, free time...all well thought out and flowed (it felt) seamlessly. Favorite "WOW" moment "First night dinner and especially arranged local entertainment was over the top excellent. The Spanish Synagogue (and concert we saw there one evening) in Prague and cooking class in Budapest and personalized tour of Opera house in Budapest were experiences that I loved and would not have had on my own." Sherry Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Peter made us feel welcome and connected to each other right away. He was very patient and guided us through what to expect each day, making us look forward with anticipation! We had just the right amount of structure and free time for me. Our group was very cohesive and fun, making it easy for a single person to join in. The hotels were lovely and the breakfasts amazing.I want to come back for more! Favorite "WOW" moment "There were several, but probably the Concert at the Spanish Synagogue. After a day of walking through Prague, it was the perfect ending to a lovely day. The music was beautiful, fun and riveting.

The acoustics were superb. What a treat." Patricia Tour: 06/26/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Very much enjoyed the tour. I was pleasantly surprised that there was more variety of ages. Favorite "WOW" moment "Municipal House in Prague was great. The guide (I'm sorry that I forget her name) was very, very good! The "wow" was the ability to get around both cities on our own, particularly not knowing the language." Garlan Tour: 06/12/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was my first "guided" tour with a group, and I must say I was very pleased with the experience! I've followed Rick Steve's show and have purchased several DVDs over the years, so I had a really high expectation going in. The tour did not disappoint. From a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide(s) to the accommodations, to the sites [INVALID]ed for our group activities, it was a great success. I also appreciated the fact that we had ample "down time" to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment "While its hard to pick just one, my "wow" moment would be the concert we attended in the Spanish Synagogue in Prague. A beautifully ornate setting for a tremendous presentation! I didn't realize I would appreciate the classical music and singing so much. This is definitely a keeper for future tours! Another great "wow" moment was in Budapest when we attended a cooking class put on by Chef Paul of Chef Parade. This was a very fun class that helped our group bond even more. Another keeper!" Leonard Tour: 06/12/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Our overall experience was great. We had a really small group (8 people) and the age seemed to skew a bit younger (30-40's) than our previous Rick Steve's tour to Italy. There was also a higher percentage of single travelers. Favorite "WOW" moment "I don't know if there was a single "wow" moment. I think my best memories will be of just hanging out in Prague with the rest of the group trying to find a cool bar to drink at or just soaking in the local flavor. I also enjoyed the cooking class in Hungary.

We have already cooked two of the dishes that we learned in the class with great results since we've returned home." Joan Tour: 05/29/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I had a great time. What made the tour special for me were the guides. Kafka and Jana were fabulous. They shared personal stories with us about living under communism and after the "velvet revolution". This made it so much more interesting and also is so much easier to retain than just learning facts and dates. When placed in a perspective of how historical events affected them as individuals and their families, it gave their stories much more depth and meaning.

Favorite "WOW" moment "There were a few: The cooking class in Budapest, the Danube boat cruise at night and the unique black light theatre in Prague." Susan Tour: 05/29/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Katka and Jana were outstanding, both in knowledge and the personal care they gave the group: Telling us which bus to take when the group activity was over for the day, getting postage stamps for the group, having the coins necessary for the toilet at the bus stop, having a sack breakfast arranged for early departures,and scouting out the music options for free evenings. They did a professional job and we were very pleased. Favorite "WOW" moment "A tie between the cooking class, the black light theater and the evening boat ride." John Tour: 05/29/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Excellent guides. They were very informative and professional, and were with us the entire time. The tour covered all the highlights with lots of supplemental information and some added bonuses as well. Because the tour was comprehensive we were kept busy but there was enough free time each day to explore other things or rest.

Favorite "WOW" moment Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 Enjoyed the companionship of tour group, who were all enthusiastic travelers interested in everything. Favorite "WOW" moment ""Danube By Night" boat ride." Jim Tour: 05/29/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 I really liked the tour. My grandparents were from the Czech Republic and I had never been there. Prague is beautiful. I loved the Slav Epic by Mucha and the black light theater. I thought more people spoke English. Many young people don't. But people want to be helpful. Budapest has many beautiful buildings. Loved evening cruise on the Danube. St Matthias church beautiful. Both cities have very good transportation systems, but take time to learn. More help on those would be very good. Favorite "WOW" moment "The Slav Epic by Mucha was fantastic. I wanted more time there." Kelly Tour: 05/29/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 I enjoyed this tour very much. I learned so much about the history and culture of these cities and countries.

Favorite "WOW" moment "Seeing Budapest with the Danube running through it - just beautiful" Robert Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Terrific learning experience. "Evening Boat ride on the Danube." Matthew Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Prague is now my favorite European city. Castles, cobblestones, clocks and communists. I loved it. Our guide, Jana, was personable and professional. Her love for Prague was evident throughout the time there. Budapest with its rich history and Danube River shouldn't be missed by anyone who truly wants "to see Europe." Favorite "WOW" moment "Hearing the personal stories of Jana and our local guides who grew up under communist oppression and now have the freedoms most Americans just take for granted." Jennifer Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The Prague-Budaest tour was amazing. Jana, our tour guide went above and beyond to make the tour very personal and educational. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. The private opera for our group was awesome. I learned a lot of history and the culture of these two countries.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone. Favorite "WOW" moment "The private opera, the night cruise down the Danube river." Mark Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 We loved everything "The River boat cruise on the Danube was pretty great." Maya Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Both cities are beautiful, and with the great knowledge of Jana, our guide, Prague and Budapest came to life in so many dimensions. We were exposed to the history, the architecture, food, music, and the people. And we left with the feeling of wanting to return, which is what those cities want you to do. Favorite "WOW" moment "There were several. But the one that stands out was our "personal" concert at Smetana Museum. Both singers established such an intimate performance.

I felt as if I was transformed to the 19th century when singers and musicians performed in the salons of the great mansions." Lynnae Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 I watched Rick's programs on Prague and Budapest before going on the trip and that helped me make decisions on what to see and do in our free time-- such as seeing the Slav Epic in Prague and going to the thermal baths in Budapest. Overall I like the city tours because it allows you to get to know the city in more depth than you would with a country tour that has multiple stops. This was my first time in eastern Europe and I just loved it. Favorite "WOW" moment "My favorite "wow moment" was the Danube River cruise in Budapest. Seeing the buildings lit up at night along with the informative tv narrative made a memorable evening." Irene Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 4 of 5 This was our fist Rick Steve's tour, and we were not disappointed. We loved the small group of 24, of varying ages groups.

The most important reason we enjoyed the tour was because we liked the balance of daily activities combined with independent free time. The other we enjoyed immensely was the variety of experiences the tour offered which we would probably not have done on our own. We also liked the fact that we were able to walk to most places or take local transportation. David Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 3 of 5 This was our 2nd Rick Steves' tour and we took it 2 weeks after our first tour ended. The group size was good (24 people), the tour guide (Jana) was great; she was from Prague and was very enthusiastic about her town and Budapest. Favorite "WOW" moment "Probably the Jewish Quarter in Prague and the Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest." Vera Tour: 05/22/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 We had a fantastic time on our trip. The tour guides were great and gave us not only their extensive knowledge of the history of Prague and Budapest but also their personal experiences with communism and their transitions into the current governments. Favorite "WOW" moment "It is difficult for me to narrow my wow moments down to one favorite.

I was wowed by my first view of Charles Bridge with the 15th century city on the other side as well as the impact of stepping into Old Town Square and the astronomical clock. I was wowed by the charm of our first dinner with our group as we enjoyed violin and accordion music along with great food in the charming restaurant.I was also surprised and wowed by the colorful roof on the Matthias Church in Buda." William Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 Favorite "WOW" moment "The 4 star hotels. Location and views from outside the hotels, the Charles Bridge views." Jane Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 We did a lot of research before choosing this tour. We were not disappointed! Wonderful schedule and outstanding tour guides. Besides being so accommodating they were exceedingly knowledgeable. Favorite "WOW" moment "Tour guide took us to a synagogue for personal reasons (anniversary of my father's death). She did all of the research and found the perfect opportunity to go.

To say she bent over backwards would be an incredible understatement." David Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was our first Rick Steves tour and it was absolutely wonderful. Just the right mix of being with the group and having time to ourselves to explore. We have never done any tours before, preferring to make our own way, but we signed up for this one because we knew we would miss much in both cities without either a local guide or someone to help us navigate to the important sites. Our tour guide Eszter was absolutely fabulous. Knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly organized. Favorite "WOW" moment "While Prague was our favorite city, the parliament buildings and the evening cruise on the Danube in Budapest were unforgettable. Overall the architecture and the history of the cities, Czech Republic and Hungary were the highlights." Adrienne Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 The tour was amazing! As someone who has always preferred to travel independently, guidebook in hand, I was quite skeptical about what a tour would offer. Was I ever surprised. The tour guide and the specialty guides were far more knowledgeable than any of the books.

We were able to see so much more. There was enough balance between the formal 'tour' times and independent discovery times. The people on the tour were intelligent and interesting, too. Favorite "WOW" moment "There are way too many 'wows' to place a favorite. My husband and I joked that we always asked our children what their favorite place was and they never could answer. We now understand why. The tour guides provided so much historical information at each site, making the trip so meaningful." Celie Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I learned and experienced so much of the culture and people of the 2 cities. Candid discussions with local tour guides helped me get a balanced perspective - all this beauty, all this culture, all this history, same human dilemmas. Favorite "WOW" moment "Highlights: folk performers at first night dinner in Prague walking across the Charles Bridge amidst the throngs of walkers Danube River cruise cooking class in Budapest Taking the subway by myself to the train station and buying my train ticket to my next destination rates up there pretty high.

Confidence that I could go back to those cities and find my way around." Teri Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I most enjoyed learning the history of the region. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and our fellow travelers asked interesting and intelligent questions. Favorite "WOW" moment Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I loved the tour. Ester was a wonderful guide. Warm and well informed. I loved the people who told us about Prague and Budapest. There was a good balance between structured time and free time. Favorite "WOW" moment "There were so many wow moments. All of old Prague was a big wow. I loved our night tour on the boat on the Danube in Budapest." Ulrich Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 It was for me and my wife Maggie the first time to be part of a guided tour and I must say it was one fabulous experience and totally met all our expectations.

We learned more about the architecture, culture, social life and historic events in Prague/Czech Republic and Budapest/Hungary than we would have done on our own. We have seen sites and experiences culinary treats that we likely would have missed. Favorite "WOW" moment "Maggie and I experienced quite a few "wow" moments in Prague and in Budapest. The one that sticks out was definitely the Danube river cruise at night with the perfect full moon (not sure how Eszter arranged that). Another one was for me the tour at the Budapest Opera, especially since I am working at a major Performing Arts Center." Ann Marie Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 I have told everyone how great this Rick Steves' tour was starting with the customs officer back in the U.S. (He watches Rick's show.) We did and saw so much more than we would on our own, and yet we had lots of free time on our own too. Everyone in our group was friendly and sociable. Our guide was extremely helpful and hard working. I hope you are paying her well! She definitely earned it.

With tickets, transport and other details arranged for us, we had more time to enjoy these places. Favorite "WOW" moment "Every day there was a "wow" moment. I absolutely loved St. Matthias Church in Budapest. So different from many churches that I've been in. The patterns covering every inch of the interior were unbelievable. I've seen so many churches over the years that I might have skipped this one if it weren't on the Rick Steves' itinerary! Glad I didn't miss it. Danube cruise and cooking class also fabulous!" Reona Tour: 05/15/16 Overall rating: rating 5 of 5 This was my first Rick Steves tour.I was supposed to go with a friend who got sick en route and was unable to join me. The tour leader encouraged me to continue on my own and I am glad that I did. Eszter was outstanding. We had excellent local guides and the group was very friendly and congenial. It was well organized with a very good balance of guided tours and free time. Eszter was excellent about suggestions for our free-time, dinner and sights as well as directions in how to get there.

Favorite "WOW" moment "There were many wow moments. Crossing the Charles Bridge and finding a local dance group performing was enchanting. Cruising the Danube at night in Budapest and seeing the Parliament Building, and other major structures lit up was exquisite. Not being a beer drinker, but discovering that I could drink 1/2 glass of Czech beer was fun. Probably my biggest wow moment was finding that I could travel on a trip like this alone, without initially knowing anyone and make new friends and enjoy myself." Margarida

Question: On which river does Prague stand?
Answer: Vltava